Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective succinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of succinct are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to succinct?

The meanings of compendious and succinct largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is it sensible to use concise instead of succinct?

In some situations, the words concise and succinct are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than succinct?

The words laconic and succinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How is pithy related to other words for succinct?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could summary be used to replace succinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to succinct, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When can terse be used instead of succinct?

While the synonyms terse and succinct are close in meaning, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of succinct This principle explains why Kennedy’s 17-word challenge continues to motivate generations and why Roosevelt’s succinct reassurance rallied a nation in crisis. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 For her visit on The Today Show the archival Dior arrived in the form of a succinct seafoam green suit. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025 With major celebrities from across Hollywood swirling around Combs’ case (Donald Trump appears in an old photograph), many viewers want a succinct primer on this breaking news story now. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2025 In a succinct letter, the firm speaks highly of CAE’s strong market position, points out the company’s recent prolonged period of underperformance, but affirmed its conviction in CAE’s ability to grow earnings per share and free cash flow per share well exceeding current market expectations. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for succinct 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump has long had a tendency to namecheck high-profile figures in concise terms of affection or derision.
    Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Below is a concise ABCD framework for proactive engagement: A – Activate Agency Stay Vigilant: Use AI with intention.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But his dunk kicked off six straight points to start the third quarter, and Golden State didn’t trail again until Orlando rallied to reclaim a brief lead midway through the fourth quarter.
    Evan Webeck, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Following a brief fake-out, it’s revealed Owen survived his injuries sustained during the emergency, and has left the 126 to return to New York.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure enough, the summary destruction of that lonely Russian tank became fodder for the Phoenix drone group’s social media team.
    David Axe, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • It was delivered to the Task Force five days past the deadline, and contained less than four and half pages, more than half of which consisted of summary narratives.
    Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near succinct

Cite this Entry

“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on succinct

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